System and method for solar vapor evaporation and condensation

Abstract

A solar vapor generator system and method are provided. In some embodiments, the system has near perfect energy conversion efficiency in the process of solar vapor generation below room temperature. Remarkably, when the operation temperature of the system is below that of the surroundings, the total vapor generation will be higher than the upper limit that can be produced by the input solar energy.

We claim: 
     
       1. A solar vapor generation system, comprising:
 an open-topped vessel for holding a water-based solution; 
 a substrate configured to wick solution from the open-topped vessel, wherein the substrate comprises two planar sheets connected to one another along an adjoining edge, and wherein the two planar sheets connect at an angle of between 10.0 and 90.0 degrees; and 
 a support, configured to support the substrate. 
 
     
     
       2. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , wherein a temperature of the substrate is maintained substantially at or below an ambient temperature. 
     
     
       3. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a temperature-controlled housing for maintaining an ambient temperature above the substrate temperature. 
     
     
       4. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a condenser. 
     
     
       5. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is a planar sheet generally parallel to a top surface of the solution. 
     
     
       6. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the two planar sheets connect at an angle of between 20.0 and 45.0 degrees. 
     
     
       7. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , further comprising an air mover configured to cause air to move adjacent to the substrate. 
     
     
       8. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises a porous material. 
     
     
       9. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises a cellulose/polyester blend, comprising 35% to 75% cellulose, and 45% to 65% polyester. 
     
     
       10. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate is black. 
     
     
       11. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the support is configured to provide an air gap between the support and a portion of the substrate. 
     
     
       12. The solar vapor generation system of  claim 1 , wherein the support is a thermal insulator. 
     
     
       13. An apparatus for improved salt separation in an evaporation pond, comprising:
 a substrate configured to wick solution from the evaporation pond, wherein the substrate comprises two planar sheets connected to one another along an adjoining edge, and wherein the two planar sheets connect at an angle of between 10.0 and 90.0 degrees; 
 a support, configured to support the substrate; and 
 wherein a temperature of the substrate is maintained substantially at or below an ambient temperature. 
 
     
     
       14. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the substrate is a planar sheet generally parallel to a top surface of the solution. 
     
     
       15. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the two planar sheets connect at an angle of between 20.0 and 45.0 degrees. 
     
     
       16. The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising an air mover configured to cause air to move adjacent to the substrate. 
     
     
       17. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the substrate comprises a porous material. 
     
     
       18. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the substrate comprises a cellulose/polyester blend, comprising 35% to 75% cellulose, and 45% to 65% polyester. 
     
     
       19. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the substrate is black. 
     
     
       20. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the support is configured to provide an air gap between the support and a portion of the substrate. 
     
     
       21. The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the substrate includes a hydrophilic treatment. 
     
     
       22. The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the substrate includes sodium alginate. 
     
     
       23. A method for solar evaporation, comprising:
 providing a substrate configured to wick solution, wherein the substrate comprises two planar sheets connected to one another along an adjoining edge, and wherein the two planar sheets connect at an angle of between 10.0 and 90.0 degrees; 
 exposing the substrate to solar energy; and 
 maintaining a temperature of the substrate substantially at or below a temperature of the atmosphere. 
 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 23 , wherein the substrate is black.